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Effect of Chinese Herbal Medicine on Kidney Function in Non-Diabetic CKD

Effects of Chinese Herbal Medicine as an Adjunctive Therapy on Renal Function in Patients With Non-Diabetic Chronic Kidney Disease: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Status
Not yet recruiting
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07657338
Enrollment
66
Registered
2026-06-18
Start date
2026-06-11
Completion date
2026-12-31
Last updated
2026-06-18

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Non-diabetic Chronic Kidney Disease

Keywords

Traditional Chinese Medicine, non diabetic chronic kidney disease, Adjunctive Therapy, Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Brief summary

This study is a randomized controlled pilot trial designed to evaluate the effects and safety of a traditional Chinese medicine formula (CKD-1) as an add-on therapy to standard treatment in patients with stage 3-4 non-diabetic chronic kidney disease. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to receive either standard care alone or standard care combined with CKD-1 for 12 weeks. Kidney function, urine protein levels, and quality of life will be assessed before and after the intervention. The study aims to provide preliminary evidence on whether CKD-1 can improve renal function and quality of life in this patient population.

Detailed description

This study is a prospective, single-blind (data analyst-blinded), randomized controlled pilot trial evaluating a traditional Chinese medicine formula (CKD-1) as adjunctive therapy in patients with stage 3-4 non-diabetic chronic kidney disease. Chronic kidney disease is a progressive condition with limited treatment options to slow renal deterioration. Traditional Chinese medicine is widely used as a complementary approach, but clinical evidence remains limited. This trial is designed to provide preliminary clinical evidence on the potential role of CKD-1 in improving renal outcomes and supporting future large-scale randomized controlled trials.

Interventions

OTHERChinese herbal formula CKD-1

CKD-1 is a traditional Chinese herbal formula administered orally at a total daily dose of 13.5 g for 12 weeks. The formula consists of Astragalus membranaceus (3.0 g), Salvia miltiorrhiza (2.5 g), Poria cocos (2.0 g), Moutan cortex (1.5 g), Scutellaria baicalensis (1.5 g), Lonicera japonica (1.5 g), and Alisma orientale (1.5 g). It is used as an adjunct to standard care in patients with stage 3-4 non-diabetic chronic kidney disease.

Sponsors

China Medical University Hospital
Lead SponsorOTHER
China Medical University Beigang Hospital
CollaboratorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)

Masking description

Although this study is open-label, the data analysts performing statistical analyses and interpreting the results will remain blinded to group allocation throughout the study to minimize analysis and interpretation bias.

Intervention model description

Participants are randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the intervention group receiving CKD-1 in addition to standard therapy or the control group receiving standard therapy alone. Both groups are followed simultaneously for 12 weeks.

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Adults aged ≥18 years. * Patients diagnosed with stage 3-4 chronic kidney disease (CKD), confirmed by a nephrologist and classified as ICD-10-CM codes N18.3-N18.4. * Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent. * Willingness to comply with study procedures and follow-up visits.

Exclusion criteria

* Acute kidney injury or major kidney-related surgery within 3 months prior to enrollment. * Participation in another clinical trial within 3 months that may affect renal function. * Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels greater than 3 times the upper limit of normal. * Pregnancy or breastfeeding. * History of diabetes mellitus. * Malignancy currently receiving chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or other systemic anticancer treatment. * End-stage disease defined under palliative care regulations. * Known allergy to any components of the CKD-1 herbal formula, including Astragalus membranaceus, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Poria cocos, Moutan cortex, Scutellaria baicalensis, Lonicera japonica, or Alisma orientale.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change in Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)From baseline to 12 weeks of treatmentChange in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) from baseline to week 12. eGFR is calculated using standard clinical laboratory methods. The primary endpoint is defined as the difference between eGFR at week 12 and baseline (ΔeGFR = eGFR\_week12 - eGFR\_baseline).

Countries

Taiwan

Contacts

CONTACTCHE-JU CHANG, MD
160076@tool.caaumed.org.tw+886-5-7837901
STUDY_DIRECTORIng-Shiow Lai, MD, PhD

China Medical University Beigang Hospital

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Jun 19, 2026